Detection, Diagnosis, and Monitoring of Scoliosi

A person is said to have scoliosis when their spine has a sideways curve that makes an “S” or a “C” shape, which if mild does not present any issues, but if severe it can impede the person’s breathing. Derived from the Greek, the term scoliosis means curvature.

No Known Cause

The cause of this disease, which is more common in females, is unknown and so the disease is referred to as an idiopathic disease. The patient may have stiffness, but possibly no pain. This issue may occur because of the presence of other conditions like muscular spasms, cerebral palsy, Marfan syndrome, and tumors such as neurofibromatosis in the patient. Scoliosis treatment can take place once the disease has been detected and diagnosed.

Diagnosis After Detection

An X-ray of the patient confirms the disease and this is categorized as structural or functional scoliosis. When the curve of the spine is fixed, then the disease is structural. If the underlying spine is normally shaped, then the disease is functional.

Diagnosis may start with the Adam’s Forward Bending Test that schools and doctors of chiropractic use to check spinal alignment. As the patient bends at the waist, the spine is examined for any abnormal prominence or protruding hump. The length of both legs is measured to determine inequality, if any. A range of motion tests are also conducted to gauge the degree of mobility at the waist for the patient. Once the degree of curvature and mobility are determined, scoliosis treatment can begin.

Treatment and Monitoring

Scoliosis treatment through a chiropractor such as those at Parker Integrative Health in Denver, Colorado, can help improve this condition. The chiropractor will not only examine the patient’s spine, but also lifestyle, past injuries and symptoms; family health history, recreational and work related activities, as well. To prevent the curve from escalating, an orthopedic brace can be used as this does not impede physical activity. If the brace does not help over time, then surgery may be required to insert rods and hooks to help align the spine and stop further curving.

Unlike conventional medicine, which focuses on attempting to treat disease once it occurs, Parker Integrative Health emphasizes improving your health in an effort to reduce the risk of pain and illness in the first place. Most people would rather be healthy and avoid illness, if they could. This is one of the main reasons for the big surge in the popularity of our wellness center.